A home intercom system is a convenient way of communicating with people at a tenant’s door and enhances the security of a building; many property managers install intercom systems to make their job easier.
But is there any link between asbestos and installing an intercom system? Let’s look at the subject and browse the considerations for tenants, property managers, and electricians before you make your selection.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the collective term for minerals mined to form asbestos. Mining of the minerals began in North America but continues in parts of Asia today. Although asbestos is still being used in some countries, it was once used as an insulation material in the UK, thanks to its flame-resistant nature. Studies have shown that direct exposure to asbestos leads to respiratory problems, sometimes severe ones.
Many buildings in the UK today have walls containing asbestos because they were built before it was known how damaging the effects of the fibrous material were. Thankfully, it’s now understood what effect asbestos can have on the human body, so construction using this material is banned nationwide.
Removing asbestos from a building’s walls is highly costly and often not worth doing if you don’t plan on drilling or cutting into a wall. However, electricians and other tradespeople are exposed to asbestos more than most professions, so they could help you with advice on the home security devices to install.
How Does Asbestos Influence My Intercom Choice?
The type of intercom system you choose for your home is likely the result of assessing the device’s costs, functionality, and ease of installation. However, the health risks of drilling into a wall containing asbestos are well-documented and should be avoided outright.
If your home is old and hasn’t been checked for asbestos, there’s a chance that asbestos could be hiding behind the walls; this won’t be a problem if you aren’t drilling into the walls, but if you do, there is a chance you or the installer could inhale asbestos, potentially leading to harmful health concerns.
With a wireless intercom system, this isn’t a problem you or the installer will be subjected to because no drilling is required. Instead, you can affix the intercom to the facade of the building, and it uses airwaves to signal the tenant that somebody is at their door. Tenants won’t need to be in the building to address the visitor either, as an app will notify their mobile device to allow them to communicate audibly or over video.
The most advanced intercom systems don’t require wiring into a wall because they send and receive signals through the airwaves for two-way communication. Information, such as when a visitor presses the intercom, can also be stored on a cloud storage base for a more accessible organisation through a remote management portal.
